Township Trailblazers - Brian Pearson

Brian Pearson stands next to his road grader. He has been blading/maintaining gravel roads for 45 years. Photo by: Loree Gaikowski

By: Loree Gaikowski, SDATAT Legislative Director/Public Relations

Among the miles of gravel and dust that stretch across South Dakota, Brian Pearson is the rare gem that quietly catches the light.

On an early Saturday morning while most of us are enjoying our coffee, a lone blade operator eases down the gravel road as the warmth of the sun finds its way over the horizon in the distance. The driver, Brian Pearson, a man with a quiet soul and years of life and experience behind his eyes, finds solace in the seat of his machine quietly rolling down the road.

In 1980, after graduating from high school, Pearson’s dad took him to Sioux Falls where they bought a CAT Road grader.  After a one-mile training session, to Pearson’s surprise, the sales rep calmly told Brian, “You’ll figure it out with time” and sent him on his way. And that he did. Little did Brian know, he would one day be considered one of the best blade operators the state of South Dakota has ever seen.

“It’s just what I do,” Pearson humbly admits, with a smidge of a smile and shrugging of his shoulders. He knows his work is important, but we know he is the caretaker of the roads leading us home, the roads leading us to school or church, and the roads connecting us with our neighbors, friends, and the land we have been tied to for generations. We know his work matters.

Today, 45 years later, Pearson fills his weekends serving eight townships in the Jerauld and Sanborn County area as their blade operator, while his workweek remains dedicated to his job with Sanborn County. It’s here he quietly shares his passion and passes on his skills with a new generation of blade operators. Generously giving them a bit more than the mile of training he received. 

Pearson may not always be noticed, but his work and dedication to the townships he serves is deeply valued. Like the gravel roads he tends, his impact may not always stand out at first glance—but it’s there beneath our feet, steady and unwavering, guiding us home. A rare gem…  quietly catching the light.

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💡 Know Someone Who Deserves Recognition?

We want to hear from you! If you know a township official, board member, grader operator, clerk, treasurer, or township advocate who goes above and beyond, nominate them for a feature in Township Trailblazers.

📧 Email your nomination (including name, township, and a few sentences about why they deserve recognition) to:legislative@sdtownships.com

Let’s celebrate the people who quietly keep South Dakota’s townships strong—one gravel road and one board meeting at a time.